As a seasoned automotive enthusiast and dedicated parent, I’ve witnessed the remarkable evolution of the midsize SUV market. These versatile vehicles have transformed from basic utility machines to veritable family havens on wheels, offering the perfect blend of space, safety, and affordability that modern families crave.

In today’s fast-paced world, where schedules are jam-packed and family time is precious, the best used midsize SUVs have emerged as the unsung heroes of family transportation. Beyond mere practicality, these SUVs have become the conduits for creating cherished memories, from road trips to weekend adventures.

Spaciousness and Cargo Mastery of Best Used Mid Size SUVs

When it comes to family life, space is at a premium. The top used midsize SUVs excel in this regard, delivering generous passenger accommodations and ample cargo capacity to meet the ever-changing needs of growing households.

Multifaceted Seating Solutions

For families with more than the standard 2.5 children, the availability of third-row seating can be a game-changer. Models like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Chevrolet Traverse offer this sought-after feature, allowing you to comfortably transport the entire crew. While the third row may not be suitable for taller adults, it provides the flexibility to accommodate extra passengers when needed, while also folding down to reveal an expansive cargo hold.

The Toyota Highlander, for instance, boasts a versatile third row that can seat two adults or fold flat to reveal an impressive 84.3 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, features a third row that can accommodate even larger passengers, making it an excellent choice for families with growing children.

2017 Toyota Highlander

Cargo Capacity and Versatility

Families are no strangers to the challenges of hauling everything from sports equipment to weekend getaway essentials. The best used midsize SUVs are well-equipped to handle these varied cargo needs, offering generous storage volumes and flexible seating configurations.

The Subaru Outback, Ford Explorer, and Nissan Pathfinder stand out in this regard, featuring fold-flat second and third-row seats, underfloor storage compartments, and available roof racks to accommodate bulky items with ease. The Subaru Outback, in particular, boasts an impressive 75.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo space, perfect for the family that loves to pack light (or not so light) for their adventures.

2019 Kia Sorento

Prioritizing Safety and Security

When it comes to transporting our most precious cargo — our loved ones — safety is of the utmost importance. The top used midsize SUVs are designed with this concern at the forefront, offering advanced safety features and impressive crash test ratings to give families the peace of mind they deserve.

Cutting-Edge Safety Technologies

Today’s used midsize SUVs come equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies that can help prevent accidents and provide an extra layer of protection for your family. Models like the Subaru Outback, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9 offer standard or available features such as lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.

The Subaru Outback, for example, comes standard with the brand’s renowned EyeSight driver-assist technology, which includes pre-collision braking and lane-keep assist. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, offers the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, giving you the confidence to navigate the roads with your loved ones.

Crash Test Ratings and Accolades

When evaluating the safety of a used midsize SUV, it’s essential to consider the comprehensive crash test ratings from organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Top performers in this category include the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer, which have consistently earned high safety scores across a range of crash test scenarios.

The Toyota Highlander, for instance, has received the prestigious IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, the organization’s highest safety accolade, while the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer have also earned impressive safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

Budget-Friendly Finds and Fuel-Efficient Champions

As families strive to balance their transportation needs with financial constraints, the used midsize SUV market offers a wealth of budget-friendly options that also deliver on fuel efficiency — a winning combination for the savvy shopper.

Uncovering Exceptional Value

When it comes to used midsize SUVs, the range of prices can be quite broad, depending on factors like year, mileage, and overall condition. According to data from reputable sources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, and CarEdge, you can typically find well-maintained used midsize SUVs priced between $15,000 to $35,000.

For example, a 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with an average mileage of 45,000 can be found for around $22,000, while a well-cared-for 2017 Subaru Outback with 35,000 miles may be priced at $19,500. By thoroughly researching and comparing listings in your local market, you can uncover the best deal that aligns with your family’s budget.

Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

Fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration for families, especially when embarking on long-distance road trips. Fortunately, many of the top used midsize SUVs, such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer, offer impressive EPA-estimated fuel economy figures, with combined city and highway ratings often in the 22-25 mpg range.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid, in particular, stands out as an exceptional fuel sipper, capable of achieving up to 36 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway — a remarkable feat for a midsize SUV. The Honda Pilot’s available 9-speed automatic transmission also contributes to its respectable fuel efficiency, while the Ford Explorer’s turbocharged EcoBoost engines provide a nice balance of power and fuel economy.

Family-Focused Features and Creature Comforts

Beyond the practical considerations of space, safety, and budget, the best used midsize SUVs also cater to the unique needs and desires of modern families, offering a wealth of features and amenities that enhance the overall driving experience.

Infotainment and Entertainment

Keeping passengers entertained and connected on long journeys is a top priority for families. The Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Ford Explorer excel in this area, offering advanced infotainment systems with large touchscreens, smartphone integration, and even available rear-seat entertainment systems.

The Toyota Highlander, for instance, comes equipped with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to easily access your favorite apps and features. The Honda Pilot, on the other hand, takes entertainment to the next level with an available 10.2-inch high-resolution rear-seat entertainment system, perfect for keeping the kids occupied during road trips.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Families deserve a driving experience that is both comfortable and convenient, and the best used midsize SUVs deliver on this front. Models like the Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-9, and Nissan Pathfinder prioritize these creature comforts, ensuring that every journey is a pleasant one for all passengers.

The Subaru Outback, for example, comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control and offers available heated and ventilated front seats, creating a cozy and customizable environment. The Mazda CX-9’s premium interior, featuring available Nappa leather upholstery and a heated steering wheel, adds a touch of luxury to the family SUV experience. Meanwhile, the Nissan Pathfinder’s innovative “EZ Flex” seating system and available power liftgate make loading and unloading cargo a breeze.

FAQ

Q: What are the best used midsize SUVs for car seats?

A: When it comes to safely installing and accessing car seats, look for used midsize SUVs with LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems, multiple anchor points, and ample rear-seat space. Models like the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Outback are particularly well-suited for families with car seats.

Q: What are the most reliable used midsize SUVs?

A: Renowned for their exceptional longevity and dependability, the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, Subaru Outback, and Ford Explorer are often considered among the most reliable used midsize SUVs on the market. These models have consistently earned high reliability ratings from industry experts, making them an excellent choice for families seeking a durable and long-lasting vehicle.

Q: How much should I expect to pay for a used midsize SUV?

A: The price range for a used midsize SUV can vary significantly based on factors like year, mileage, and overall condition. On average, you can expect to find well-maintained used midsize SUVs priced between $15,000 and $35,000, with the potential for even better deals depending on your local market and negotiation skills. By thoroughly researching prices and comparing listings, you can uncover the best value that aligns with your family’s budget and needs.

Conclusion: Elevating Family Transportation with the Best Used Midsize SUVs

As I reflect on my own journey of finding the perfect family vehicle, I can attest to the transformative power of the best used midsize SUVs. These versatile and well-equipped models have risen to the occasion, seamlessly blending spaciousness, safety, and affordability — the trifecta of family transportation.

Whether you’re navigating the demands of a growing household, prioritizing the security of your loved ones, or seeking a balance between practicality and budget, the used midsize SUV market has an abundance of options that can elevate your family’s driving experience. By thoroughly researching and test-driving these top contenders, you can uncover the perfect match that caters to your unique needs and preferences.

Embark on your family’s next adventure with the confidence and peace of mind that the best used midsize SUVs can provide. With their spacious interiors, advanced safety features, and budget-friendly pricing, these vehicles are poised to become the unsung heroes of modern family life, facilitating cherished memories and stress-free journeys for years to come.